News Release

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Two Killed and Several Injured by Electrocution Traffic Collision Damages Fire Hydrant and Power Lines NR12398td

UPDATE
October 26, 2012

Updated: On October 25, 2012, at 4:50 p.m. 19-year-old Arman Samsonian, a resident of Glendale, surrendered and was booked at Valley Jail Section pursuant to a warrant being issued for Felony Vehicular Manslaughter (192 (c) (1) PC). Bail was set at $100,000.On Wednesday August 22, 2012, at around 8:25 p.m., Samsonian was driving a 2012 Chevy Traverse and was traveling westbound on Magnolia Boulevard when he negotiated a right turn at an unsafe speed. Samsonian lost control of the vehicle as he turned northbound onto Ben Avenue and ran off the roadway colliding with a fire hydrant and a light pole located at the northwest corner of Ben Avenue at Magnolia Boulevard. As a result of the collision, water emerged from the fire hydrant and came into contact with the exposed electrical lines. Two females approached the northwest corner in an attempt to render aid to the motorist inside the 2012 Chevy Traverse. When they came into contact with the water and live electrical lines, the two females were electrocuted and died at the scene.The decedents were: 40-year-old Irma Zamora, resident of the city of Burbank and 39-year-old Stacey Schreiber, resident of Valley Village, CA.

UPDATE
08-24-12

The driver of the car in the solo crash is identified as 19-year-old Arman Samsonian of Glendale.

UPDATE08-24-12

Los Angeles: LAPD Valley Traffic Detectives have located the out-of-state family of the second “good Samaritan” who died attempting to assist a 19-year-old Glendale man who was involved in a dramatic solo traffic collision this past Wednesday at the intersection of Magnolia Boulevard and Ben Avenue in Valley Village. The decedent is 39-year-old Stacey Schreiber, also of Valley Village.

The traffic collision investigation is continuing in an expeditious but thorough manner. At this point in the investigation, no criminal charges have been brought forth against any of the involved persons in the investigation. LAPD is conferring with the Office of the Los Angeles District Attorney as part of the investigative process.

At the conclusion of this case, once all the evidence has been collected and analyzed and all the witnesses have been interviewed, a decision will be made if any charges will be brought forth.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives, Officer Fuentes, at (818) 644-8022. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.

Los Angeles: Last night, around 8:25 p.m., a single traffic collision occurred on the corner of Magnolia Boulevard and Ben Avenue. The driver of the vehicle was traveling westbound on Magnolia Boulevard attempting to negotiate a right turn from the left lane. The driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a fire hydrant and a light pole.

As a result of the collision, water emerged from the fire hydrant and came into contact with downed power lines from the light pole. Two females who witnessed the collision approached the vehicle in an attempt to help the driver but died from injuries they sustained after making contact with the power lines and water.

Approximately eight other people attempted to help the women but were also injured by electrical charges. All injured parties were transported to local hospitals. One of the deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Irma Zamora from the city of Burbank. The identity of the other deceased women is not being released until family members are notified.

Anyone with information or may have witnessed the traffic collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Detectives, Officer Fuentes at (818) 644-8022. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Webtips” and follow the prompts.